Phytochemical characterization of Caraway (Carum carvi) seed extract and its use as a potent medicinal agent

Abstract

Carum carvi (Caraway) is a member of Apiaceae family which originated in Asia. Due to its economic importance, it is widely cultivated. Caraway is the only annual species, commonly present in arable land, moist meadows and on low lands to mountains. Caraway has different applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. Phytochemical screening of different medicinal plants is helpful in identifying new sources of industrially and therapeutically important compounds. In this study, Caraway obtained from forest surrounding the village Goherman, Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh (India) was used. Seed extract of caraway extracted in methanol (MSE) and distilled water (WSE) was used for phytochemical analysis to determine the constituents of caraway seeds. Further, caraway seeds extract was checked for antibacterial activity [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Salmonella typhimurium (NCTC 74), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228)], antioxidant activity and acid neutralizing activity. After analysing the results, it can be said that caraway seeds possess many medicinal properties and it can be used in enhancing human health.